I hope you'll join me Friday, April 25 for Be a Kid! annual fundraiser for the RYSE Youth Center in Richmond.

At the RYSE Center, local youth receive a host of services covering health and wellness, education and employment, and leadership training. There's also a range of enriching activities including media arts, gardening, sports and dance.

Now in its 5th year, RYSE has served more than 3,000 young people. As one of the founders and a current board member of RYSE, I personally see the positive differences it makes in the lives of youth.